Teenagers as young as 15 are seeking assistance after experiencing complications from botched Botox treatments and dermal fillers. According to Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), the situation has prompted calls for tighter regulations on cosmetic procedures within the country. The charity reported an alarming trend, receiving hundreds of complaints regarding these procedures, which have left many young individuals financially burdened and in need of medical help.
In response to the rising number of incidents, the Scottish Government has proposed legislation aimed at banning non-surgical treatments for individuals under 18 years of age. The new regulations would mandate that all cosmetic procedures be performed in approved facilities, enhancing safety and accountability within the industry.
Between 2021 and 2023, ADS recorded 430 complaints related to botched procedures, resulting in a total financial loss of approximately £192,000 for affected individuals. The charity presented this data to the Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, highlighting the urgent need for reform. In their submission, ADS stated that they had received reports of practitioners administering Botox and fillers to clients as young as 15, often in unregulated environments such as private homes or public spaces.
One troubling incident involved a young client who paid £725 for a procedure at a beauty salon. After being upsold facial fillers that were not part of the original request, the individual experienced severe swelling and fluid accumulation under their eyes. The practitioner attributed the reaction to an allergy and recommended antihistamines, which proved ineffective. The client ultimately had to pay additional fees to dissolve some of the filler, all while facing significant discomfort and uncertainty about the procedure’s quality.
ADS emphasized that many clients faced challenges in holding practitioners accountable for their actions. The absence of a comprehensive complaints system left affected individuals with limited options, often relegating them to informal resolutions that did not adequately address their concerns.
While the charity supports the proposed legislation, it advocates for the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill to be strengthened. ADS seeks public awareness campaigns and guidance specifically aimed at parents and guardians to help safeguard young people and first-time patients who may be influenced by social media trends promoting cosmetic procedures.
Jillian Edmund, project lead at ADS, expressed concern over the issue, stating, “It’s shocking to be contacted by people as young as 15 who are left needing help after being injected with Botox and fillers by unscrupulous practitioners.” She praised the proposed protections for under-18s, highlighting the need for a robust regulatory framework that clearly defines the qualifications required to perform such procedures.
In addition to ADS, Consumer Scotland has also called for enhanced safeguards in the new legislation. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government underscored the importance of establishing safe standards across the cosmetic industry. They stated, “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have non-surgical procedures can do so safely.”
The increasing number of complaints and the alarming cases reported by teenagers raise significant concerns about the safety and regulation of cosmetic procedures in Scotland. As these legislative discussions unfold, many hope for a future where young individuals can pursue cosmetic treatments with confidence, knowing that their safety and well-being are prioritized.
